Eating out
Galvin Bistrot de Luxe - French
Galvin encompasses all the best of British and French regional produce through a seasonally inspired menu with the emphasis on generosity and good value Modelled after the French concept of bistrots modernes, where the cuisine is simple, but startlingly delicious and served in an atmosphere without any pretence
Dinner for two around £80.
The Wallace - French
Restaurateur Oliver Peyton, who recently launched The National Dining Rooms at The National Gallery, has successfully repeated the trick at the Wallace Collection. The gallery's wonderful, glassed-over courtyard has been reincarnated as a sort of rococo picnic party, complete with wrought-iron chairs, rectangular parasols & convincing artificial trees. There is also patisserie & homemade ice-cream all day.
Dinner for two from around £40.
Odin's Restaurant - British
With its luxurious and comfortable furnishings combined with a fine art collection including various works by 'David Hockney' and 'Patrick Procktor' adorning the walls, you could be forgiven for believing that you are dining in one of London's finest art galleries.
Dinner for two around £90.
Hardy’s – British
Hardy’s Parisian-style surrounds never go out of style. It is a ‘perfect’ Marylebone bistro. Fishcakes (here served with French beans, poached egg & hollandaise) never come off the menu but other dishes change with the seasons, so you might get crayfish salad with saffron dressing in summer, but char-grilled halibut with Champagne & herb vinaigrette in autumn.
L'Autre Pied – Modern Eclectic
L’Autre Pied is the second restaurant from the duo behind double Michelin-starred Pied a Terre, David Moore & chef Shane Osborn. It doesn’t aspire to the same fine-dining ambitions of its sibling, with more relaxed if slightly cramped surrounds, lower prices & less intricate food.
Lunch & pre-theatre menus are excellent value at £16.50/19.95 for two/three courses.
A la Carte Dinner for two around £90
Scott's - Fish
This legendary fish restaurant which dates back to 1851 has been relaunched by Caprice Holdings (The Ivy, J Sheekey et al). Vast sums have been lavished on the interiors which are matched by top-notch food, which majors in fish.
Dinner for two around £100.
Golden Hind - Fish
Still the best chippy in central London , the Golden Hind maintains its charm by being intimate & continuing to ply its trade consistently well. Lightly battered, flaky cod & flavoursome haddock, 'real' chips fried on the spot & the obligatory mushy peas add up to an authentic experience.
Dinner for two £35.
Locanda Locatelli - Italian
Chef Giorgio Locatelli's acclaimed Italian eatery continues to perform at an impressive level. Tucked at the side of The Churchill hotel, its discreet, almost anonymous exterior belies the glamorous & fashionable interior, which in the evening is peppered with A-list faces.
Dinner for two around £100
Caldesi - Italian
Thanks to its excellent Tuscan cooking Caldesi remains very popular local restaurant.
The food is all accompanied by all-Italian wines & smoothly professional service.
Dinner for two around £70.
Royal China Club - Chinese
Royal China Group's attempt to match the fine-dining experience offered by the likes of Hakkasan & Yauatcha is largely successful.
This vast dining room, adorned with imposing fish tanks is just next to a very smart bar. Best local place for dim sum. The restaurant might be also proud of it’s fantastic selection of tea.
Dinner for two £80.
Benares – Indian
Benares is glamorous Mayfair restaurant, serving up the flavours of north India in sophisticated presentations. Top choices include sea bass in coconut milk & tamarind sauce served with coconut kedgeree & lamb braised with cinnamon, ginger & Kashmiri chillies.
Dinner for two £90.